Worldwide smartwatch leader Samsung unveiled arguably the most advanced smartwatch of the group, showing off a device that could work independently of a phone.

In addition to using its own SIM card, the Gear S features a curved 5cm screen big enough to display scrolling text and its own keyboard for composing messages, a microphone and speaker for making calls, internet widgets for news and weather information, and a GPS chip to track the wearer’s exercise.

Untethered ... The Samsung Gear S smartwatch has its own SIM card for connectivity.Source:Supplied

Samsung Australia chief marketing officer Arno Lenior said the company’s fourth smartwatch represented a “massive leap” in technology, for both its curved screen and its independent operation.

“The fact you can use it as a stand-alone device will set it apart,” he said. “However, it still pairs with your phone.”

Long-time smartwatch maker Sony also revealed two new wrist-worn devices in the IFA lead-up, including the third version of its flagship smartwatch.

Sony’s SmartWatch 3 will join Google’s Android Wear line-up of official smartwatches for the first time, and feature a 4cm screen, waterproof body, and a microphone for taking voice commands.

Waterproof ... Sony makes smartphones you can swim with, now it has the SmartWatch 3 to match.Source:Supplied

Sony Mobile Communications Oceania managing director Peter McKeon said the smartwatch was also packed with sensors, including a compass, GPS chip, gyroscope, compass and accelerometer to more accurately measure the wearer’s physical activity.

“We’re going beyond mere fitness-tracking and number-crunching to help you log and preserve those moments that matter,” Mr McKeon said.

Sony also launched the more basic SmartBand Talk smartwatch, featuring a 3.5cm e-paper display, an accelerometer and altimeter for fitness-tracking, and a microphone and speaker for taking phone calls from a connected Android smartphone.

Slimming down ... The Sony SmartBand Talk is a basic smartwatch with fitness tracking.Source:Supplied

First-time wearable gadget maker ASUS also joined the smartwatch succession in Berlin, revealing the ZenWatch.

The Android Wear smartwatch offers a leather band and metal body, 4.1cm screen, heart-rate and movement sensors, and a host of software additions allowing it to mute incoming phone calls, find its host phone, and act as a camera’s viewfinder.

New player ... Asus enters the market with the Zen Watch.Source:Supplied

The watch is due out in October for the equivalent of $299.

Potential smartwatch customers are also likely to be wooed by LG at the IFA show later this week, with its circular G Watch R smartwatch, and Motorola’s highly anticipated Moto 360 smartwatch, rumoured to be launching in the US today.

Apple is also tipped to lend its weight to the smartwatch trend at its announcement in Cupertino on September 9.

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